Clyde in the early 1860s. - Otago Witness, 20.11.1912.
Except in rare instances are the majority of union
members present at the union's meetings. It is much the same
with all sorts of societies, and has been so always.
The problem, therefore, is how to get all members interested
in the union, and more especially the younger generation of
unionists.
I am convinced from long experience that unionism is of the
greatest necessity for the welfare of wage-earners.
Yet it is by no means uncommon to find the necessity held
very lightly. Nothing but unionism has lifted the worker to
his present position; nothing but apathetic indifference
prevents further progress. Some time ago the Grocers'
Assistants' Union prepared a syllabus of varied features for
the monthly meetings.
Various matters were discussed - some relating to the trade,
others to topics outside the grocers' business. The Tailors'
Union has now devised a similar plan. The ordinary business
is pleasantly sandwiched with wider and more popular
interests.
A regular syllabus is now in course of preparation, and
already the experiment has proved successful. The attendances
at the meetings have doubled, with a full prospect of greater
success immediately the plan becomes more widely known. I
understand that the new syllabus will cover trade subjects as
well as popular questions.
Then card tournaments and socials will be organised, and
altogether the innovation promises to be very popular with
members. (by Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C.)
• A local man was charged at the Kaitangata Court on Thursday
with keeping liquor for sale, and also with keeping premises
as a resort for the consumption of liquor (reports the Clutha
Leader). Inspector Dwyer prosecuted, and Mr R. R. Grigor, who
appeared for the defendant, pleaded "Not Guilty". The case
lasted some four hours. The police evidence showed that the
premises had been under close observation by the police for a
week, during which time various persons were seen to go in
and to come out in a state of intoxication. When the raid was
made by Constables Harvey and Murray on October 19 four kegs
(one full) of beer were seized, one bottle of whisky, and
several empty bottles. Three residents who were on the
premises were also charged.
The defence was an admission that the defendant had been "on
the spree" for a week, and had been entertaining his friends.
Evidence was adduced to show that the defendant was a
hard-working man, earning good wages, with only very
occasional lapses, owing no money, and able to pay for his
"spree".
The residents who were found on the premises gave
satisfactory reasons for being present. His Worship dismissed
all the charges.
ODT, 16.11.1912
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